New Interstate 49 opens between Kansas City and Joplin

After decades of planning and construction, U.S. Highway 71 from Kansas City to Pineville, Mo., officially became Interstate 49 at noon Wednesday.

When finished, I-49 will span from Kansas City to New Orleans. After 1-49 connects with Interstate 29 by way of Interstate 435 in Kansas City, the highway will stretch more than 1,600 miles, running from Winnipeg, Canada, to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana, MODoT spokesman Steve Porter.

 Read more [Kansas City Business Journal]